Merited Athlete is an honorary title of North Korea given to sports persons. It is awarded to "athletes and workers engaged in the athletic field who make distinguished contributions to the nation's athletics, receiving the love and respect of the people for devoting themselves to national and social projects". A typical achievement is winning a regional competition in Asia. The title was instituted in November 1960.
, Merited Athletes are paid a 70-won (32-dollar) monthly pension after they retire at age 60, equivalent to an ordinary office worker's pay. Merited Athletes have also been given luxurious apartments. A Merited Athlete may become a sporting coach if they complete a four-year course at the Korean Athletics University.
Sports persons may also be awarded the titles of People's Athlete or Hero of Labour.
Recipients In 2001, the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported that 320 or more people have been awarded either the title of Merited Athlete or the related title of People's Athlete since 1986. , around 200 people in total had received the title of People's Athlete.
List
NameOccupationNotesCha Hyon-hyangfemale judokacoached by Ri Song-choChoe Chang-sopmarathonerwinner of the Košice Peace Marathon in 1975Ji Kyong-sunfemale judokacoached by Ri Song-choJon Chol-howeightlifterKim Chol-jinweightlifterDisciple of Han Kyong-thae and coach of Kwon Yong-gwangKim Hyon-huitable tennis playerKim Kum-silfemale footballersubsequently member of the Supreme People's AssemblyKim So-hyangfootballerNorth Korea women's national under-20 football team player excelling at the 2016 FIFA U-20 Women's World CupKu Yong-joboxerCompeted in the bantamweight (54 kg) category.Mun Gyong-aemarathonerawarded for outstanding performancesNorth Korea 1966 FIFA World Cup squad playersfootballersAlmost all players of the squad were awarded the title.Pak Chong-jongbasketball playerPak Kwang-bokgymnastics coachRhythmic gymnastics coach of the Kigwancha Sports ClubPak Sun-nyotumbling coachCoach of Ri Chol-jun, Kim Un-hak, and other gymnastsRi Byong-ukboxerCompeted in the light flyweight (48 kg) category.Ri Hyang-simfemale footballercoached by Kim Kyong-huiRi Myong-hwafemale judokacoached by Ri Song-choRi Se-gwangartistic gymnastNational champion in floor, rings and vaulting horse, and gold medalist at the 2006 Asian Games and 2008 World Cup in gymnasticsRi Ye-gyongfemale footballercoached by Kim Kyong-hui
See also
Orders, decorations, and medals of North Korea Sport in North Korea The Game of Their Lives (2002 film)
References
Works cited
Further reading